The rand runs, come rain or shine
BORDEAUX – The Rand Athletics Club Sweatshop race had over 700 runners hit the road, regardless of the weather.
For the first time in 35 years, rain made an appearance during the annual Rand Athletic Club (RAC) Sweatshop 10km road race.
Although the rain was very welcome, preparing the fields at the Old Parktonian Sports Club in Bordeaux was difficult.
Only one third of the anticipated participants braved the downpour, but the front of the race was still hotly contested with the eventual winner being Mbongeni Nxazozo from Gauteng Striders in a time of 00: 30:57. The women’s winner was Kenelwe Sesing from the newly formed club KPMG Running Club in the time of 00: 38:07.
As the runners got on their way, the sun came out, and 741 people set off in fairly good conditions on 15 May. Among the runners was Deidre Larkin (84), who once again left many younger runners in her dust and finished in a time of 00: 60:02.
The race started in Jan Smuts Avenue and the runners proceeded into Republic Avenue, down to William Nicol, where they headed towards Hyde Park then turned into St Andrews. The route wound through Hurlingham, up the steep Gleneagles hill into Athole to exit at Jan Smuts before finishing on the cricket field at the Old Parktonian Sports Club.
Due to the good running conditions, many runners posted their personal best times for a 10km race. Each runner was presented with a Sweatshop bandana at the finish.
“We thank all the runners for coming out and supporting the Sweatshop 10km race on Sunday,” said RAC chairperson, Dick Welch.
Details: Rand Athletic Club, info@rac.co.za.
